Roger Ray McHone went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Madrid Home with his family by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Elkhart Christian Church (252 NW Washington Ave., Elkhart, IA 50073). A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Elkhart Christian Church. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Elkhart Cemetery.
Roger Ray McHone was born on February 7, 1949, in Des Moines, IA, to Harold and Belva (Conkel) McHone. He grew up in rural Elkhart, IA, and graduated in 1967 from North Polk in Alleman, IA. He attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA, and graduated in 1971. During the summers, he worked at Pepsi. In 1971, he joined the National Guard and served at Camp Dodge in Johnston, IA.
Roger fell in love with Diane Cory, and they were married on April 10, 1971. Together, they had two daughters, Lori and Lanette. In August of 1972, they moved to Fairfield, IA, where he joined the 34th Army Band. Roger began teaching history at Fairfield High School, where he also coached boys’ cross country, wrestling, and boys’ track. One of his greatest passions at Fairfield High School was leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Roger loved running, including numerous marathons. He loved riding his bike and thoroughly enjoyed riding RAGBRAI. You could always find him in the yard working and pulling weeds! He even pulled weeds when it wasn’t his own property!
Roger’s passion for teaching, coaching, and leading FCA has had a significant impact on so many students’ lives. He retired from teaching and from the National Guard in 2009 after serving for 37 years. After retirement, he joined the Iowa Military Veteran Band and Tarnished Brass in Keosauqua, IA. He never knew a stranger, and he could talk to anyone. Those who knew this amazing, genuine, funny, and Godly man will never forget him! In 2022, Roger went to live at the Madrid Home in
Madrid, IA.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane McHone, daughters, Lori Schieltz of North Liberty, IA, and Lanette Miller (Mike Anderson) of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Madeline Schieltz and Quaid Miller; brother’s, Ronald (Irene) McHone of Ankeny, IA and Steve (Deb) McHone of Ramsey, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
In death, Roger rejoins his parents, his son-in-law, Jaden Miller, and his mother and father-in-law, Dale and Vera Cory.